Bookbinding device, bookbinding method, and printing device

ABSTRACT

A CPU of a bookbinding system sets one of a right-opening bookbinding mode for feeding a cover sheet on which a cover is laid out at the left of a spine portion thereof to create a right-opening book, and a left-opening bookbinding mode for feeding a cover sheet on which a cover is laid out at the right of the spine portion to create a left-opening book. Also, the bookbinding system controls a printer unit to invert a print sequence depending on whether the system is set in the right-opening bookbinding mode or is set in the left-opening bookbinding mode. The print sequence or inverted print sequence is set so that, of image data of multiple pages, print image data that should be the top page is arranged appropriately for creating a right-opening book or a left-opening book.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bookbinding device, a bookbindingmethod, and a printing device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heretofore, bookbinding devices have been known wherein a bound article(book) is created by matching a sheet bundle made up sheets of multiplepages with a cover sheet on which covers (e.g., a front cover and a backcover) are laid out.

As for a method for matching between a sheet bundle and a cover sheet,various types of methods have been known. As one example thereof, a casebinding method has been known wherein the central portion of a coversheet greater than the sheet size of a sheet bundle (e.g., an A3 coversheet corresponding to an A4 sheet bundle) is glued with one edge of thesheet bundle, and the sheet bundle is wrapped in the cover sheet.

With a conventional bookbinding method, processing for creating sheetbundles each serving as the body of a book, and processing for creatingcover sheets are separately performed, and the created sheet bundles andcover sheets are each set in a bookbinding device, thereby executingbookbinding processing. With this bookbinding method, setting of thesheet bundles and cover sheets in the bookbinding device is manuallyperformed by an operator of the bookbinding device.

Further, a bookbinding device has been proposed wherein creation ofsheet bundles and cover sheets, and bookbinding processing using theseare executed as a series of processing without involvement of operationsby an operator to reduce manual works by an operator (e.g., see JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2004-155152).

Incidentally, as for books, there are two types; a right-opening bookand a left-opening book. Now, description will be made regarding thedifference between a right-opening book and a left-opening book withreference to FIGS. 10A through 13.

FIGS. 10A through 10D are diagrams illustrating the configuration of aleft-opening book, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating theconfiguration of a cover sheet for creating a left-opening book. Also,FIGS. 12A through 12D are diagrams illustrating the configuration of aright-opening book, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating theconfiguration of a cover sheet for creating a right-opening book. WithFIGS. 10A through 13, reference numerals 1000 through 1002 denoteregions on a cover sheet. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a spine regionserving as the spine of a product article, 1000 denotes a regionpositioned right of the spine region 1002, and 1001 denotes a regionpositioned left of the spine region 1002.

In the event that “A” is laid out as a front cover and “B” is laid outas a back cover on a cover sheet, the layouts of a front cover and aback cover as to a cover sheet differ between the case of creating aleft-opening book and the case of creating a right-opening book. That isto say, with a cover sheet for creating a left-opening book (FIG. 11), afront cover is laid out in the region 1000 (FIG. 10A), and a back coveris laid out in the region 1001 (FIG. 10B). On the other hand, with acover sheet for creating a right-opening book (FIG. 13), a back cover islaid out in the region 1000 (FIG. 12A), and a front cover is laid out inthe region 1001 (FIG. 12B).

Also, the direction for turning over a front cover differs depending onthe case of creating a left-opening book or the case of creating aright-opening book. That is to say, with a left-opening book, the firstpage of the body appears by turning over the front cover to the left(FIG. 10C), but with a right-opening book, the first page of the bodyappears by turning over the front cover to the right (FIG. 12D)

In order to appropriately create a right-opening book and a left-openingbook including the above differences, it has been necessary toartificially arrange the layouts of covers as to a cover sheet, andbookbinding works using the cover sheet thereof. However, with thebookbinding device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2004-155152 for executing creation of sheet bundles and cover sheets,and bookbinding processing using these as a series of processing, it hasbeen difficult to create an appropriate book taking into considerationsuch an arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in light of the above points, andprovides an improved bookbinding device, bookbinding method, andprinting device.

The present invention further provides a bookbinding device, abookbinding method, and a printing device wherein when creating sheetbundles and cover sheets, and performing bookbinding processing usingthese items, books are appropriately created taking into considerationregarding whether right-opening books are created or left-opening booksare created.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bookbindingdevice comprises: an input unit adapted to input image data of multiplepages; a printing unit adapted to subject multiple sheets to printprocessing based on the image data of multiple pages input by the inputunit; a stacking unit adapted to stack the multiple sheets subjected toprint processing by the printing unit as a sheet bundle; a paper-feedunit adapted to feed a cover sheet on which a cover is laid out; abookbinding unit adapted to create a book by subjecting the sheet bundleand the cover sheet to matching; a mode setting unit adapted to set oneof a right-opening bookbinding mode for creating a right-opening bookand a left-opening bookbinding mode for creating a left-opening book;and a control unit adapted to control the printing unit so as to invertthe printing sequence of the image data of multiple pages depending onthe case of the mode setting unit having setting the right-openingbookbinding mode or the case of the mode setting unit having setting theleft-opening bookbinding mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a bookbindingmethod for creating a book using a sheet bundle made up of multiplesheets serving as body, and a cover sheet on which a cover is laid out,comprises: an input process for inputting image data of multiple pages;a mode setting process for setting one of a right-opening bookbindingmode for creating a right-opening book and a left-opening bookbindingmode for creating a left-opening book; a printing process for subjectingmultiple sheets to print processing based on the image data of multiplepages input in the input process; and a bookbinding process for creatingthe book by subjecting a sheet bundle made up of multiple sheetssubjected to print processing in the printing process and the coversheet to matching, wherein the printing process executes printprocessing so as to have the inverted print sequence of the image dataof multiple pages depending on the case of having setting theright-opening bookbinding mode in the mode setting process or the caseof having setting the left-opening bookbinding mode in the mode settingprocess.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a printing devicecapable of connecting to a bookbinding device including a stacking unitadapted to stack a sheet bundle, a paper-feed unit adapted to feed acover sheet on which a cover is laid out, and a bookbinding unit adaptedto create a book by subjecting the sheet bundle and the cover sheet tomatching, comprises: an input unit adapted to input image data ofmultiple pages; a printing unit adapted to subject multiple sheets toprint processing based on the image data of multiple pages input by theinput unit, to stack these in the stacking means of the bookbindingunit; a mode setting unit adapted to set one of a right-openingbookbinding mode for creating a right-opening book and a left-openingbookbinding mode for creating a left-opening book; and a control unitadapted to control the printing unit so as to invert the printingsequence of the image data of multiple pages depending on the case ofthe mode setting unit having setting the right-opening bookbinding modeor the case of the mode setting unit having setting the left-openingbookbinding mode.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate numerous embodiments, features andaspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of abookbinding system (bookbinding device).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of aprinting device 105.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of theprinting device 105.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an operating unit204 included in the printing device 105.

FIGS. 5A through 5D are diagrams illustrating one example of anoperating screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unitillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A through 6C are diagrams illustrating one example of anoperating screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unitillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7A through 7D are diagrams illustrating one example of anoperating screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unitillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a case bindingdevice.

FIGS. 9A through 9D are diagrams illustrating one example of anoperating screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unitillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 10A through 10D are diagrams illustrating the configuration of aleft-opening book.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cover sheet forcreating a left-opening book.

FIGS. 12A through 12D are diagrams illustrating the configuration of aright-opening book.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cover sheet forcreating a right-opening book.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of bookbinding processing according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of bookbinding processing according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet bundle S1 in aright-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating the sheet bundle S1 in aleft-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating the sheet bundle S1 inthe right-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating the sheet bundle S1 inthe left-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating the creating process ofa book in the right-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating the creating process ofa book in the left-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of bookbinding processing according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of bookbinding processing according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating the creating process ofa book in the left-opening bookbinding mode.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating one example of the operating screendisplayed on the liquid crystal display unit illustrated in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe drawings showing various embodiments thereof. In the drawings,elements and parts which are identical throughout the views aredesignated by identical reference numerals, and duplicate descriptionthereof is omitted.

First Embodiment

<Overall Configuration of Bookbinding System (Bookbinding Device)>

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of abookbinding system (bookbinding device) corresponding to an embodimentof the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 105 denotes a printing device, whichsubjects sheets to print processing based on image data, and alsoconveys sheets subjected to print processing to a stacker device 104.The stacker device 104 stacks sheets conveyed from the printing device105 in a stack tray (not shown). The stacker device 104 can also conveythe sheets conveyed from the printing device 105 to a case bindingdevice 103 without stacking those in the stack tray. The case bindingdevice 103 loads multiple sheets S conveyed from the printing device 105via the stacker device 104 into a later-described stacking tray 42 as asheet bundle S1. Subsequently, the case binding device 103 creates abook by wrapping the sheet bundle S1 loaded into the stacking tray 42 ina cover sheet S2 loaded into a later-described cover-sheet loading tray70.

Note that the case binding device 103 can convey the sheets S conveyedfrom the stacker device 104 to a saddle stitching device 102 withoutthese loading into the stacking tray 42. The saddle stitching device 102creates a saddle stitching article by subjecting the sheet bundle S1made up of the multiple sheets S, which are conveyed from the printingdevice 105 via the case binding device 103, to staple processing. Notethat the saddle stitching article created by the saddle stitching device102 is conveyed to a sheet-cutting device 101, and is subjected to sheetcutting processing.

Note that in FIG. 1, the bookbinding system (bookbinding device) 2000 isconfigured of the printing device 105, stacker device 104, case bindingdevice 103, saddle stitching device 102, and sheet cutting device 101,but other configurations may be employed. At least the printing device105 and the case binding device 103 are combined, whereby thebookbinding system (bookbinding device) 2000 corresponding to thepresent embodiment can be configured.

<Control Configuration of Printing Device>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of theprinting device 105 corresponding to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner unit, which opticallyscans multiple original sheets (sheets such as paper on which an imageis printed) to generate image data, and also subjects the read imagedata to image processing (e.g., shading correction processing). Thescanner unit 201 then stores the image data of multiple pages subjectedto image processing in a hard disk (HDD) 209 as one print job. Referencenumeral 202 denotes an external interface, which receives a print jobincluding image data of multiple pages from an external device connectedto the printing device 105 via a network. The external interface 202stores the received print job in the hard disk (HDD) 209. Referencenumeral 203 denotes a printer unit, which subjects multiple sheets S toprint processing based on the print job stored in the hard disk 209.Note that the print job is made up of image data of multiple pages, sothat a plurality of image data is printed upon each of multiple sheets.Reference numeral 204 denotes an operating unit, which accepts varioustypes of instruction by an operator of the printing device 105, andtransmits the accepted instruction to a memory controller unit 206,thereby performing various types of setting upon the printing device105.

CPU 205 writes a program read out from ROM 207 in RAM 208, and executesthe program using the RAM 208, thereby controlling the entirety of thebookbinding system 2000 including the printing device 105. Note that ROM207 stores a program for interpreting PDL (Page Description Language)code data that the external interface 202 received from an externaldevice as a print job. The ROM 207 further stores a program forgenerating data that can be printed at the printer unit 203 followinginterpretation of PDL code data. The memory controller unit 206 controlsaccess from the respective units as to the ROM 207, RAM 208, and harddisk 209.

A compression/extension unit 210 can subject the image data stored inthe RAM 208 and hard disk 209 to compression processing using varioustypes of compression method such as JBIG, JPEG, or the like. Thecompression/extension unit 210 can also execute extension processing forextending (decompressing) the image data subjected to compressionprocessing by various types of compression method.

A rotating unit 231 executes rotating processing in the event that it isnecessary to rotate image data when transmitting the image data storedin the hard disk 209 to the printer unit 203 to execute printprocessing. The rotating unit 231 can execute arbitrary angle rotatingprocessing such as 180-degree rotating processing for inverting thetop-and-bottom directions of image data, 90-degree rotating processing,or the like as rotating processing. Note that let us say that thesetting of a rotating angle of rotating processing that the rotatingunit 231 executes can be performed from the CPU 205.

An optional interface 230 is an interface for the CPU 205 communicatingwith the stacker device 104, case binding device 103, saddle stitchingdevice 102, and sheet cutting device 101 which are connected to theprinting device 105 as optional devices. The stacker device 104, casebinding device 103, saddle stitching device 102, and sheet cuttingdevice 101 each include a CPU (not shown) for controlling the internaloperations. The CPU 205 of the printing device 105 transmits a controlcommand for controlling the CPU of each of the optional devices via theoptional interface 230, thereby controlling the stacker device 104, casebinding device 103, saddle stitching device 102, and sheet cuttingdevice 101.

<Configuration of Printing Device>

Next, description will be made regarding the configuration of theprinting device 105 with reference to FIG. 3.

The printing device 105 is principally made up of the scanner unit 201,and the printer unit 203. The scanner unit 201 sequentially feeds thesheet bundle loaded in a document feeder unit 250 onto a platen glass211 from the top thereof (the uppermost portion) one by one inaccordance with the loading sequence thereof. The document feeder unit250 then discharges the scanned sheet onto a discharge tray 219following completion of scan operation by a scanner 220. Upon anoriginal sheet being conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the scannerunit 220 turns on a lamp 212, controls an optical unit 213 to move, andscans the sheet-shaped original while illuminating this from below. Thereflected light from the original is passed through multiple mirrors214, 215, 216, and a lens 217, and is guided to a CCD image sensor(hereafter, CCD) 218, and the image on the scanned original is read bythe CCD 218 as image data. The image data read by the CCD 218 issubjected to predetermined image processing, following which is storedin the hard disk 209.

The printer unit 203 outputs from a laser-light-emitting unit 322 drivenby a laser driver 321 laser light corresponding to the image data readout from the hard disk 209. An electrostatic latent image correspondingto laser light is formed on a photosensitive drum 323 upon which laserlight is illuminated, and a developing unit 324 adheres a developingagent (e.g., toner) at the electrostatic latent image portion.

On the other hand, a sheet S is fed from one of a cassette 311, acassette 312, a cassette 313, a cassette 314, and a hand feed tray 315at the timing in sync with start of illumination of laser light, and isconveyed to a transfer unit 325 via a conveyance channel 331. Here, thehand feed tray 315 is provided with a sheet detection sensor 315 a fordetecting that the sheet S is loaded. The transfer unit 325 transfersthe developing agent adhered to the photosensitive drum 323 onto thesheet S. The sheet S on which the developing agent is transferred isconveyed to a fixing unit 327 by a conveyance belt 326, and is heated atthe fixing unit 327. Thus, the developing agent on the sheet S is fixedto the sheet S. The sheet S on which the developing agent is fixed isconveyed to the stacker device 104 via conveyance channels 335 and 334.In the event of inverting and then conveying the sheet S at the time ofconveying the sheet S to the stacker device 104, the CPU 205 controlsthe printer unit 203 to guide the sheet S to conveyance channels 336 and338. Subsequently, the CPU 205 conveys the sheet S in the oppositedirection to the stacker device 104 via conveyance channels 337 and 334.

<Configuration of Case Binding Device>

Next, description will be made regarding the configuration of the casebinding device 103 with reference to FIG. 8.

The case binding device 103 includes at least a conveyance matching unit21 for conveying and matching the sheets S, an adhesive application unit22, and a sheet cutting unit 23. Note that as for sheet cutting in thesheet cutting unit 23, three sides other than the adhesive side of thesheet bundle S1 can be subjected to sheet cutting.

The conveyance matching unit 21 includes a first conveyance channel T1for conveying the sheet S conveyed from the printing device 105 via thestacker device 104, and second and third conveyance channels T2 and T3which are branched from the first conveyance channel T1 in a two-forkedmanner. The first conveyance channel T1 is provided with a carry-inroller pair 25, and with a branched portion between the secondconveyance channel T2 and the third conveyance channel T3 at thedownstream side of this carry-in roller pair 25, a changeover flapper 27for changing over a conveyance channel is provided.

With such a conveyance channel arrangement, upon the CPU 205 selecting anormal discharge mode, the sheet S carried in the case binding device103 from the printing device 105 via the first conveyance channel T1 isguided to the third conveyance channel T3 by the changeover flapper 27.Subsequently, the sheet S is conveyed to the saddle stitching device 102via multiple conveyance roller pairs 29 provided in the third conveyancechannel T3. On the other hand, upon the CPU 205 selecting a case bindingmode, the sheet S is guided to the second conveyance channel T2 by thechangeover flapper 27, and also is further conveyed to the stacking tray42 making up the matching area of the conveyance matching unit 21. Thisstacking tray 42 includes a reception unit 42 a for receiving the sheetS, a certain number of sheets S are loaded in a tilt state by thisreception unit 42 a, thereby forming one sheet bundle S1.

Also, upon the sheet bundle S1 made up of a certain number of sheets Sbeing formed, the reception unit 42 a is moved only a predetermineddistance downward, toward a position P1, following which is moved only apredetermined distance in the direction orthogonal to the movementdirection thereof (obliquely downward), thereby being positioned at aposition P2. Such movement of the reception unit 42 a is performed by amovement mechanism not shown in detail.

Also, grippers (conveyance means) 55 a and 55 b for retaining the edgeportion of the sheet bundle S1 loaded onto the reception unit 42 a areprovided at the second position P2. These grippers 55 a and 55 b orientthe retained sheet bundle S1 generally in the vertical direction (erectthe retained sheet bundle S1 generally in the vertical direction).Subsequently, the grippers 55 a and 55 b move the retained sheet bundleS1 downward toward the adhesive application unit 22 while keeping thegenerally vertical state thereof (one edge of the sheet bundle S1 (theedge where a later-described adhesive is applied) is oriented downward).

Subsequently, the sheet bundle S1 is positioned at a certain position onan application area in a generally vertical state in the movement routeof an adhesive unit 66. Next, the adhesive unit 66, which stands by at astandby position, is moved to a predetermined origin of the applicationarea. Subsequently, the adhesive unit 66 is moved toward a predeterminedturning position from the origin in a state in which an applicationroller 66 b is positively rotated, and abuts on the edge of the sheetbundle S1. Thus, the edge of the sheet bundle S1 is coated with anadhesive agent evenly by the application roller 66 b holding an adhesiveagent within a container 66 a on the surface thereof.

Upon the adhesive unit 66 arriving at the above turning position, therotation of the application roller 66 b is stopped, and the movement ofthe adhesive unit 66 is also stopped. Subsequently, from this point theadhesive unit 66 starts to move toward the origin from the turningposition in a state in which the application roller 66 b is rotated inthe other direction. Subsequently, at a stage wherein the adhesive unit66 arrives at the origin again, the inverse rotation of the applicationroller 66 b is stopped, and the movement of the adhesive unit 66 is alsostopped. Subsequently, such reciprocating movement is performed twicefor example, following which application of the adhesive agent iscompleted.

Upon applying of the adhesive agent as to the edge of the sheet bundleS1 being completed, the adhesive unit 66 is moved to the standbyposition or supplementary position, and the conveyance route of thesheet bundle S1 is secured. Subsequently, the sheet bundle S1 held bythe grippers 55 a and 55 b is moved to a cover adhesive unit 60downwards through the generally vertical conveyance route (in thedirection intersecting the movement direction of the adhesive unit 66).

A cover sheet S2 has been already conveyed from a cover sheet loadingtray 70 to the cover adhesive unit 60, and has stood by until theadhesive agent is thus applied at the edge of the sheet bundle S1.Subsequently, the reverse side of a spine cover region 1002 of the coversheet S2 is positioned at a certain position of the cover adhesive unit60 crossing the generally vertical conveyance route of the sheet bundleS1. The edge of the sheet bundle S1 applied with the adhesive agent ispressed against the cover sheet S2 thus positioned by the grippers 55 aand 55 b in the vertical direction from above. Also, in this state, thesheet bundle S1 is further moved vertically downwards by the grippers 55a and 55 b while the edge thereof is adhered with the cover sheet S2 bythe adhesive agent, and is pressed against a slidable collision platepositioned at the lower side of the cover adhesive unit 60.Subsequently, the cover sheet S2 and the sheet bundle S1 are pressedfrom both sides by a slidable spine folding plate in a state of beingcollided with the collision plate. Thus, the creases corresponding tothe thickness of the sheet bundle S1 are formed on the cover sheet S2.

Next, the collision plate is slide-moved outward, the conveyance routeof the sheet bundle S1 is formed, following which grippers 55 a and 55 bhand over the sheet bundle S1 to which the cover sheet S2 is adhered tothe lower sheet cutting unit 23 while holding this therebetween.

Next, description will be made regarding the sheet cutting unit 23.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a paper cutting unit, 121 denotes arotating table, 122 denotes rotatable grippers for fixedly holding thesheet bundle S1 on the rotating table 121 therebetween, and a gripperdriving mechanism is provided for pressing the gripper 122 against therotating table 121. Also, a gripper movement mechanism is providedcapable of moving the gripper 122 in the direction of the paper cuttingunit 120, and a gripper frame is provided for retaining the gripper 122.The paper cutting unit 120 includes a paper cutting blade 120 a, amovable presser plate for pressing the edge portion of the sheet bundleS1 at the time of cutting sheets, a fixed presser plate, and a pressermovement mechanism for driving these.

Upon the sheet bundle S1 to which the cover sheet S2 is adhered beinghanded over to the sheet cutting unit 23 by the grippers 55 a and 55 b,the sheet bundle S1 is conveyed in the vertical direction toward thepaper cutting blade 120 a. Upon the sheet bundle S1 being conveyed tothe paper cutting blade 120 a, the gripper 122 is driven, and then thesheet bundle S1 is firmly held between the gripper 122 and the rotatingtable 121.

Next, the paper cutting blade 120 a moves to a predetermined position toform space necessary for rotating and moving the sheet bundle S1 basedon the thickness information of the sheet bundle S1, and stands bythere. Subsequently, the paper cutting blade 120 a cuts one edge of thesheet bundle S1.

Upon one edge being cut, the presser plate and the paper cutting blade120 a move to a predetermined position to form space necessary forrotating and moving the sheet bundle S1 based on the thicknessinformation of the sheet bundle S1 again, and stands by there.Subsequently again, the rotating table 121 and the gripper 122 aredriven, and the sheet bundle S1 held between the rotating table 121 andthe gripper 122 is rotated (180 degrees) and moved at a position wherethe next edge to be cut can be cut by the paper cutting blade 120 a.Subsequently, the paper cutting blade 120 a cuts one edge of the sheetbundle S1. Also, the paper cutting blade 120 a cuts the third edge ofthe sheet bundle S1 by the same operation.

Thus, upon cutting of three edges being completed, the rotating table121 is returned to the original position, and the sheet bundle S1 heldbetween the gripper 122 and the rotating table 121 is conveyed to astoring unit 34 via a discharge roller 123. In this case, the sheetbundle S1 to be discharged from the discharge roller 123 is jammed intothe storing unit 34 by a flapper 125, and also is stacked and stored ina state in which an edge S1 a on which an adhesive agent is applied isoriented downward, and generally vertically erected. Note that in thefollowing description, the sheet bundle S1 to which the cover sheet S2is adhered is referred to as a book S3.

<Configuration of Operating Unit>

Next, description will be made regarding the configuration of theoperating unit 204 included in the printing device 105 with reference toFIG. 4.

The operating unit 204 comprises a hard key group 4-240 includingvarious types of hard keys 4-241 through 4-246. The operating unit 204also includes a liquid crystal display portion 4-250 made up of a dotmatrix made up of a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystaldisplay portion 4-250 includes a touch panel on the surface thereof. Theoperating unit 204 detects that key input is made by the operator of theprinting device 105 pressing a key display portion, and transmits thesignal corresponding to key input to the CPU 205. Subsequently, the CPU205 controls the printing device 105 based on the program stored in theROM 207, and executes the operation corresponding to the receivedsignal.

A key 4-243 is a power key, and is a key for turning on/off the power. Akey 4-244 is a power saving key, and is a key for setting to a powersaving mode or canceling the power saving mode. A start key 4-241 is akey for the operator inputting an instruction for starting various typesof processing such as an instruction for starting the scan operation ofan image on an original by the scanner unit 201. A stop key 4-242 is akey for the operator inputting an instruction for canceling the currentoperation by the bookbinding system 2000 including the printing device105.

Also, a key group 4-245 includes a numeric key pad of 0 through 9 forinputting the number of copies, zoom magnification, and so forth, and aclear key for canceling input thereof. The number of copies input bythis key group 4-245 is displayed on the liquid crystal display portion4-253. A reset key 4-246 is a key for returning the setting conditionsset by the operator via the liquid crystal display portion 4-250 andhard key group 4-240 to the initial state.

The liquid crystal display portion 4-250 displays the operation statusand so forth of the bookbinding system 2000 in accordance with aninstruction from the CPU 205. The liquid crystal display portion 4-250also displays touch keys. With the liquid crystal display portion 4-250,a key 4-252 is a key for selecting a cassette in which the sheets S(paper) employed for print processing by the printing device 105 areloaded. Upon the operator pressing this key, the CPU 205 controls theoperating unit 204 to display a sheet selection screen illustrated inFIG. 5A on the liquid crystal display portion 4-250.

According to a key group 4-271 of the sheet selection screen illustratedin FIG. 5A, a cassette (one of cassettes 311 through 315) used forprinting processing is selected. Subsequently, upon the operatorpressing a close key 4-270, the CPU 205 closes this screen to return tothe screen in FIG. 4, and displays the selected cassette on the displayportion 4-251.

Keys 4-258 and 4-262 shown in FIG. 4 are keys for performingconcentration adjustment. The CPU 205 displays the concentrationadjusted by these keys on a display portion 4-263. A key 4-259 is a keyfor activating/inactivating an automatic concentration adjustmentfunction. A key 4-261 is a key for performing settings such as a photomode/text mode and so forth.

A key 4-254 and a key 4-255 are keys for setting same size, andreduction/enlargement, respectively. Upon the operator pressing the key4-255, the CPU 205 displays the magnification screen illustrated in FIG.5B on the liquid crystal display portion 4-250 to allow the operator toset enlargement/reduction in detail. Upon the operator selecting amagnification using a key group 4-273 of the magnification screenillustrated in FIG. 5B, and pressing a close key 4-272, the CPU 205closes this screen to return to the screen in FIG. 4. Subsequently, theCPU 205 displays the magnification set in the previous operation on thedisplay portion 4-251.

A key 4-257 is a duplex key. Upon the operator pressing the key 4-257,the CPU 205 displays the duplex print setting screen illustrated in FIG.5C on the liquid crystal display portion 4-250. Description will be madebelow regarding the settings of duplex printing with reference to FIG.5C.

In FIG. 5C, a key 4-280 is a setting key for subjecting both sides ofsheets to print processing using originals of which only one side isprinted with an image (hereafter, simplex originals). A key 4-281 is asetting key for subjecting both sides of sheets to print processingusing originals of which both sides are printed with an image(hereafter, duplex originals). A key 4-283 is a setting key forsubjecting only one side of sheets to print processing using duplexoriginals. Also, a key 4-284 is a setting key for performing continuouspage scanning to duplex.

A key 4-285 is a key for activating the settings performed by theoperator in the duplex print setting screen in FIG. 5C. Upon theoperator pressing this key, the CPU 205 activates the settings in theduplex print setting screen in FIG. 5C, and returns the display of theliquid crystal display portion 4-250 to the screen in FIG. 4. Also, akey 4-282 is a key for canceling the settings performed in FIG. 5C. Uponthe operator pressing this key, the CPU 205 inactivates the settings inthe duplex print setting screen in FIG. 5C, and returns the display ofthe liquid crystal display portion 4-250 to the screen in FIG. 4.

A key 4-286 is a key for allowing the operator (user) to performdetailed settings. Upon the operator pressing this key 4-286, the CPU205 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. 5D on the liquid crystaldisplay portion 4-250. Description will be made below regarding thedetailed settings of duplex printing with reference to FIG. 5D.

In FIG. 5D, a key 4-290 is a setting key for converting the sheets Ssubjected to print processing by the printing device 105 into aleft-and-right-opening printed article, and a key 4-291 is a setting keyfor converting the sheets S into a top-and-bottom-opening printedarticle. Upon the operator selecting the type of duplex printing by thekey 4-290 or key 4-291, and then pressing a close key 4-292, the CPU 205closes this screen, and returns the display of the liquid crystaldisplay portion 4-250 to the screen in FIG. 5C.

As described above, the duplex print setting screen in FIG. 5C and theduplex print detailed setting screen in FIG. 5D allow the operator toset duplex printing.

A key 4-256 on the display screen in FIG. 4 is a sorter key for allowingthe operator (user) to input an instruction for displaying a settingscreen for the operator instructing sheet processing to be executed bythe sheet processing device 230 on the display portion of the operatingunit 204.

Upon the operator pressing the key 4-256, the CPU 205 changes thedisplay of the liquid crystal display portion 4-250 of the operatingunit 204 into a later-described screen illustrated in FIG. 6C, forexample. Subsequently, the CPU 205 shows candidates of sheet processingthat the sheet processing device 230 can execute (case bindingprocessing, saddle stitching) to the operator using the liquid crystaldisplay unit 4-250 of the operating unit 204.

The CPU 205 accepts a desired sheet processing execution instructionfrom the operator via a sheet processing setting screen such as FIG. 6C.Subsequently, the CPU 205 controls the bookbinding system 2000 toexecute the bookbinding processing selected by the operator via thesheet processing setting screen.

Description will be made below regarding the flow of bookbinding settingprocedures in the bookbinding system 2000 according to the presentembodiment with reference to FIGS. 6A through 6C.

Note that as for a method for inputting image data of multiple pagesemployed for print processing of the sheets S, there is a method forinputting this from the scanner unit 201 (hereafter, referred to asfirst input method). There is also a method for inputting this from thehard disk 209 (hereafter, referred to as second input method). Now, inthe following, description will be made regarding each of the two inputmethods.

<Bookbinding Setting Procedures: First Input Method>

FIGS. 6A through 6C are diagrams illustrating one example of anoperating screen displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 4-250of the operating unit 204 illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A is an application mode screen that the CPU 205 controls thedisplay portion 4-250 to display in response to the operator pressingthe key 4-260 on the operating screen illustrated in FIG. 4.

A key 601 on the screen in FIG. 6A is a key for setting a bookbindingmode (case binding or saddle stitching). Upon the operator pressing thekey 601, the CPU 205 controls the display portion 4-250 to display themanuscript size selection screen illustrated in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B is an operating screen for specifying the size of originalsemployed for print processing of the sheets S serving as the body of thebook S3 to be subjected to bookbinding in the bookbinding mode. A keygroup 602 on the screen in FIG. 6B are original size specification keysfor the operator setting the size of original sheets serving as thebody. For example, upon the operator pressing “A4” size on the screen inFIG. 6B, and then pressing “Next” key, the CPU 205 displays theoperating screen illustrated in FIG. 6C on the liquid crystal displayportion 4-250.

FIG. 6C is a screen for setting the type of bookbinding. Pressing a casebinding key 603 on the screen in FIG. 6C allows the operator to specifycase binding processing. On the other hand, pressing a saddle stitchingkey 604 on the setting screen in FIG. 6C allows the operator to specifysaddle stitching processing. Upon the operator pressing the bookbindingkey 603 to specify case binding processing, the CPU 205 controls theliquid crystal display portion 4-250 to display the screen illustratedin FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7A is a screen for specifying whether to create the book S3 as aleft-opening book or a right-opening book. Upon the operator pressing aleft-opening key 701, and then pressing a key 703, the CPU 205 specifiesthe left-opening bookbinding mode as a bookbinding mode. On the otherhand, upon the operator pressing a right-opening key 702, and thenpressing the key 703, the CPU 205 specifies the right-openingbookbinding mode as a bookbinding mode. Upon the operator pressing thekey 703, the CPU 205 controls the liquid crystal display portion 4-250to display the screen illustrated in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7B is a screen for specifying the sheet size of the cover sheet S2employed for a cover for creating the book S3, and the paper feed placeof the cover sheets S2. With the present embodiment, let us say that thecover sheets S2 are loaded in the cover sheet loading tray 70, sofollowing pressing a sheet selection key 704, the operator specifyingthe cover sheet loading tray 70 on a screen (not shown) displayed on theliquid crystal display portion 4-250. Also, FIG. 7B is a screen forspecifying the sheet size of the sheets S employed for the body forcreating the book S3, and the paper feed place of the sheets S. Upon theoperator pressing the sheet selection key 705, the CPU 205 displays thescreen illustrated in FIG. 5A, and has the operator specify whichcassette of the cassettes 311 through 315 the sheets S are fed from.Subsequently, upon the operator pressing a key 706 following the coversheet S2 and the sheets S being selected through the sheet selectionkeys 704 and 705, the CPU 205 determines the settings regarding thecover sheet S2 and sheets S. Subsequently, the CPU 205 controls theliquid crystal display portion 4-250 to display the screen illustratedin FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7C is a screen for performing settings for scanning original sheetsemployed for print processing of the sheet bundle S serving as the bodyof the book S3 by the scanner unit 201. A key 707 is for setting thesize of original sheets employed for print processing of the sheetbundle S1. Upon the operator pressing the key 707, the CPU 205 displaysthe screen in FIG. 6B, and has the operator specify the size of originalsheets. Subsequently, upon the operator specifying the size oforiginals, the CPU 205 determines the size of originals. Also, referencenumeral 708 denotes a key for specifying whether or not the originalsemployed for print processing of the sheet bundle S1 are original sheetsof which both sides are subjected to print processing. In the event ofthe operator pressing the key 708, the scanner unit 201 scans both sidesof originals as image data, and obtains image data of two page worthfrom one original sheet. Subsequently, upon the operator pressing a key709, the CPU 205 controls the liquid crystal display portion 4-250 todisplay the screen illustrated in FIG. 7D.

FIG. 7D is a screen for setting whether or not the sheet bundle S1serving as the body of the book S3 is created by subjecting both sidesof the sheets S to print processing using a refeeding conveyance channel332. In the event of the operator pressing a key 710, the CPU 205controls the printer unit 203 so as to subject only one side of thesheets S to print processing. In the event of the operator pressing akey 711, the CPU 205 controls the printer unit 203 to subject both sidesof the sheets S to print processing. In the event of the operatorpressing a key 712, the CPU 205 determines that setting regarding casebinding processing has been completed, and controls the liquid crystaldisplay portion 4-250 to display the screen in FIG. 6A.

<Bookbinding Setting Procedures: Second Input Method>

Next, bookbinding setting procedures will be described with reference toFIG. 9.

With the above bookbinding setting procedures, as for a method forinputting image data of multiple pages employed for print processing ofthe sheets S, the method employing image data input from the scannerunit 201 has been described. Hereinafter, as for a method for inputtingimage data of multiple pages employed for print processing of the sheetsS, a method employing image data input to the hard disk 209 beforehandwill be described.

FIG. 9A is a screen that is displayed when the operator pressing the key2203 displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 4-250 in FIG. 4.

Now, the term “box” indicates a storage region on the hard disk 209, andan individual storage region corresponding to each of the multipleoperators using the printing device 105 is allocated. With the examplein FIG. 9, a box number “03” is allocated to an operator “hasegawa”.Upon the operator selecting the box number “03” allocated to “hasegawa”,the CPU 205 displays the screen in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9B is a list indicatingprint jobs stored in the storage region within the hard disk 209corresponding to the box number “03”. With the example in FIG. 9B, sixprint jobs are stored. The print jobs may be print jobs received from anexternal device via the external interface 202, or may be image data ofmultiple pages input via the scanner unit 201.

Subsequently, of the multiple print jobs list-displayed in FIG. 9B, uponthe operator selecting the print job of which document name is“list.doc”, the CPU 205 displays the screen in FIG. 9C. In FIG. 9C, theCPU 205 newly displays a print key 4403 by the operator selecting theprint job. Subsequently, in the event of executing print processingusing the print job of which document name is “list.doc”, the operatorpresses the print key 4403. The CPU 205 displays the screen in FIG. 9Dby the operator pressing the print key 4403. Upon the CPU 205determining that the operator has pressed the print key 4503 in a stateof displaying the screen FIG. 9D, the CPU 205 starts execution of theprint job of which document name is “list.doc”. On the other hand, inthe event of executing bookbinding processing using the print job ofwhich document name is “list.doc”, the operator presses an applicationmode key 4504. In the event of the operator pressing the applicationmode key 4504, the CPU 205 displays the screen in FIG. 6A.

Note that the operation that the CPU 205 executes following displayingFIG. 6A is basically the same as the above “Bookbinding SettingProcedures: First Input Method”. Accordingly, only the points differentfrom the first method will be additionally described here.

With the “First Input Method”, setting has been made using the keys 707and 708 in FIG. 7C. The reason why this setting has been made is forperforming print processing using the image data input from the scannerunit 201. On the other hand, with the “Second Input Method”, printprocessing is performed using the print job that the operator selectedin FIG. 9B, so there is no need to perform the setting in FIG. 7C.

<Bookbinding Processing Execution Procedures: Simplex Printing>

Next, the bookbinding processing flow according to the first embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 14. Description will be madehere regarding the case binding processing that is executed in the eventof the operator selecting the case binding key 603 on the screen in FIG.6C. Also, FIG. 14 illustrates the operations in the event of theoperator setting for the single sides of the sheets S to be subjected toprint processing in FIG. 7D.

In step S1401, the CPU 205 executes input processing of image data ofmultiple pages. The input processing can be executed using one of theabove two input methods. In the event of employing the first method forinputting image data from the scanner unit 201, the scanner unit 201scans the image on the originals loaded in the document feeder unit 250by the operator pressing the start key 4-241, whereby image data ofmultiple pages is input, and output to the printer unit 203. On theother hand, in the event of the second method employing image data inputto the hard disk 209 beforehand, the print job stored in the hard disk209 is read out by the operator pressing the start key 4-241.Subsequently, the memory controller unit 206 outputs the print job readout to the printer unit 203, whereby image data of multiple pages isinput.

In step S1402, the CPU 205 determines whether the bookbinding mode thatthe operator has set in FIG. 7C is the right-opening bookbinding mode orleft-opening bookbinding mode. In the event of the left-openingbookbinding mode, the CPU 205 proceeds to step S1403, but in the eventof the right-opening bookbinding mode, the CPU 205 proceeds to stepS1414.

Note that the following steps S1403 through S1407 are the flow forsubjecting the print job made up of image data of M pages to printprocessing in the sequence of the 1st page, 2nd page, and so on throughM−1'th page, and M'th page. On the other hand, steps S1414 through S1417are the flow for subjecting the print job made up of image data of Mpages to print processing in the print sequence of the M'th page, M−1'thpage, and so on through 2nd page, and 1st page, which is the invertedsequence of the steps S1403 through S1407.

In step S1403, the CPU 205 sets page identification information N forcontrolling the print sequence of image data of multiple pages to “1”,which is an initial value. Note that this page identificationinformation N is information that is stored in the RAM 208, and the CPU205 can read out and write.

The CPU 205, in step S1404, controls the printer unit 203 to execute theprint processing of the N'th page, and in step S1405 subjects the sheetS to inversion processing, and then conveys the sheet S to the stackerdevice 104. Note that the reason why the sheet S is subjected toinversion processing is for stacking the sheet S in a state in which theupper side of the sheet S is subjected to print processing (faced upstate) in the stacking tray 42 in a state in which the lower side of thesheet S is subjected to print processing (faced down state). Here, theCPU 205 controls a conveyance unit (not shown) within the stacker device104 to convey the sheet S to the case binding device 103. Also, the CPU205 controls the case binding device 103 to convey the sheet S conveyedfrom the stacker device 104 to the stacking tray 42.

The CPU 205, in step S1406, adds one to the page identificationinformation N, and proceeds to step S1407. In step S1407, the CPU 205determines whether or not the page identification information N reachesM+1, and in the event that the N is equal to M+1, the CPU 205 proceedsto step S1408, and otherwise returns to step S1404. Here, the M is thetotal number of pages of the print job, e.g., in the event of a printjob made up of image data of 10 pages, 10 is set to the M. Note thatwith the above second method, the print job is stored in the hard disk209 beforehand, and the total number of pages is determined, so thenumber of pages thereof is set to the M. On the other hand, with thefirst method, the number of originals that the document unit 205 readsis not known beforehand. Therefore, the CPU 205 detects in step S1407whether or not there is an original to be scanned subsequently by adocument detection sensor (not shown) or the like which is provided inthe document unit 205, thereby performing determination in step S1407.Specifically, in the event of determining that there is no original tobe scanned subsequently, the CPU 205 proceeds to step S1408, andotherwise returns to step S1404.

The CPU 205 repeats the above steps S1404 through S1407, therebystacking the multiple sheets S in the stacking tray 42 to generate asheet bundle S1. Note that it is FIG. 16 that the sheet bundle S1stacked in the stacking tray 42 in this case is schematicallyillustrated. The numerals in FIG. 16 schematically illustrate pagenumbers, but actually, the image of the page corresponding to a numberis printed on the lower side of the corresponding sheet. FIG. 16corresponds to the case of executing a print job made up of image dataof five pages, and the sheets S are stacked in the stacking tray 42 in afaced down state (state in which the side subjected to print processingis oriented downward). Note that with the print sequence in this case,the first page is the top page, and the fifth page is the last page.

Next, description will be made regarding steps to be executed in thecase of the CPU 205 determining that the bookbinding mode is theright-opening bookbinding mode in step S1402.

In step S1414, the CPU 205 sets page identification information N forcontrolling the print sequence of image data of multiple pages to “1”,which is an initial value.

The CPU 205 controls the printer unit 203 to execute the printprocessing of the (M−N+1)'th page in step S1415. The reason why the(M−N+1)'th page is employed here is for subjecting from the M'th page,which is the last page, to print processing in the event of printing aprint job of M pages. In the right-opening bookbinding mode, the sheet Sis not subjected to inverse processing, which is different from theleft-opening bookbinding mode. This is because it is desirable to stackthe sheet S subjected to print processing in the stacking tray 42 withthe upper side being faced up (in a state in which the side subjected toprint processing is faced up). Here, the CPU 205 controls a conveyanceunit (not shown) within the stacker device 104 to convey the sheet S tothe case binding device 103. Also, the CPU 205 controls the case bindingdevice 103 to convey the sheet S conveyed from the stacker device 104 tothe stacking tray 42.

The CPU 205, in step S1416, adds one to the page identificationinformation N, and proceeds to step S1417. In step S1417, the CPU 205determines whether or not the page identification information N reachesM+1, and in the event that the N is equal to M+1, the CPU 205 proceedsto step S1408, and otherwise returns to step S1415. Specifically, in theevent of determining that there is no original to be scannedsubsequently, the CPU 205 proceeds to step S1408, and otherwise returnsto step S1415.

The CPU 205 repeats the above steps S1415 through S1417, therebystacking the multiple sheets S in the stacking tray 42 to generate thesheet bundle S1. Note that it is FIG. 17 that the sheet bundle S1stacked in the stacking tray 42 in this case is schematicallyillustrated. The numerals in FIG. 17 schematically illustrate pagenumbers, but actually, the image of the page corresponding to a numberis printed on the upper side of the corresponding sheet. FIG. 17corresponds to the case of executing a print job made up of image dataof five pages, and the sheets S are stacked in the stacking tray 42 in afaced up state. Note that with the print sequence in this case, thefifth page is the top page, and the first page is the last page.

Description will be made below regarding bookbinding processing usingthe sheet bundle S1 generated in the stacking tray 42 in the above stepsS1404 through S1417 and S1414 through S1417. Note that specificoperations employing the case binding processing 103 are the same asdescribed with FIG. 8.

The CPU 205 subjects the sheet bundle S1 to matching processing in stepS1408, and subjects one end of the sheet bundle S to gluing processingin step S1409, thereby matching the sheet bundle S and the cover sheetS2. On the other hand, the CPU 205 feeds the cover sheet S2 loaded inthe cover sheet loading tray. In FIG. 14, an arrangement has been madewherein the cover sheet S2 is fed (S1410) following the gluingprocessing (S1409), but the cover sheet S2 may be fed prior to thegluing processing beforehand.

The CPU 205 glues between one end of the sheet bundle S1 and the spineportion of the cover sheet S2 (reverse side portion of the spine coverregion 1002), thereby executing bookbinding processing. Subsequently,the CPU 205 subjects the sheet bundle S1 to which the cover sheet S2 isadhered to sheet cutting processing in step S1412, and stores the sheetbundle S1 in the storing unit 34 in step S1413.

<Bookbinding Processing Execution Procedures: Duplex Printing>

Next, the bookbinding processing flow according to the first embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 15. Description will be madehere regarding the case binding processing that is executed in the eventof the operator selecting the case binding key 603 on the screen in FIG.6C. Also, FIG. 15 illustrates the operations in the event of theoperator setting for both sides of the sheets S to be subjected to printprocessing in FIG. 7D.

Note that steps S1501 and S1502 in FIG. 15 are the same as steps S1401and S1402 in FIG. 14, so description thereof will be omitted. Also,steps S1510 through S1515 in FIG. 15 are the same as steps S1408 throughS1413 in FIG. 14, so description thereof will be omitted.

Also, the following steps S1503 through S1509 are the flow forsubjecting the print job made up of image data of M pages to printprocessing in the sequence of the 1st page, and so on through M'th page.On the other hand, steps S1516 through S1522 are the flow for subjectingthe print job made up of image data of M pages to print processing inthe print sequence of the M'th page, and so on through 1st page, whichis the inverted sequence of the steps S1503 through S1509. Note that inFIG. 15, both sides of the sheet S are subjected to print processing,and accordingly, which is different from the method for sequentiallysubjecting pages to print processing one by one, such as the first page,second page, third page, and so on.

In step S1503, the CPU 205 sets the page identification information N to“1”, which is an initial value.

In step S1504, the CPU 205 determines whether or not the pageidentification information N reaches M+1, and in the event that the pageidentification information N is not greater than M, the CPU 205 proceedsto step S1505, and otherwise returns to step S1506.

In step S1505, the CPU 205 feeds the sheet S from the selected cassettein response to the operator pressing the key 705 in FIG. 7B, andsubjects the sheet S thereof to the print processing of the N'th page.

The CPU 205 determines in step S1506 whether or not N−3 is greater than0, and in the event of greater than 0, proceeds to step S1507, andotherwise proceeds to step S1508. In step S1507, the CPU 205 subjectsthe sheet S conveyed from the refeeding conveyance channel 332 to theprint processing of the (N−3)'th page. Here, “3” indicates the number ofsheets that the printing device 105 can hold therein. When performingduplex printing, the printing device 105 feeds three sheets from theselected cassette consecutively to execute print processing.Subsequently, the printing device 105 alternately repeats the printprocessing as to the sheet S conveyed from the refeeding conveyancechannel 332, and the print processing of odd pages as to the sheet S fedfrom the selected cassette. The printing device 105 prints both sides ofthe sheet S by this repeat print processing.

In step S1508, the CPU 205 adds 2 to the N, and proceeds to step S1509.In step S1509, the CPU 205 determines whether or not the pageidentification information N reaches M+5, and in the event that the N isequal to M+5, the CPU 205 proceeds to step S1510, and otherwise returnsto step S1504.

Now, description will be made regarding the print sequence in the printprocessing that the CPU 205 controls the printer unit 203 to execute insteps S1503 through S1509, assuming that the print job is made up ofimage data of 10 pages. Note that description will be made assuming thatthe cassette 311 is selected in FIG. 7B.

First of all, the CPU 205 feeds three sheets S from the cassette 311,and subjects each of the sheets S to the print processing of image dataof the first, third, and fifth pages. Also, the CPU 205 conveys thesheets S on which the first, third, and fifth pages are subjected toprint processing to the refeeding conveyance channel 332. Note that thesheets S conveyed from the refeeding conveyance channel 332 are conveyedto the transfer unit 325 with the printed side being faced down.

Next, the CPU 205 conveys the sheet S on which the first page issubjected to print processing to the transfer unit 325, and executes theprint processing of image data of the second page. Subsequently, the CPU205 conveys the sheet S on which both of the image data of the firstpage and the image data of the second page are subjected to printprocessing to the stacker device 104. Subsequently, the CPU 205 subjectsthe sheet S fed from the cassette 311 to the print processing of imagedata of the seventh page. Subsequently, the CPU 205 conveys the sheet Son which the third page is subjected to print processing to the transferunit 325, and executes the print processing of image data of the fourthpage. Next, the CPU 205 subjects the sheet S fed from the cassette 311to the print processing of image data of the ninth page. Subsequently,the CPU 205 conveys the sheets on which the fifth, seventh, and ninthpages are subjected to print processing from the refeeding conveyancechannel 332 to the transfer unit 325. The CPU 205 then subjects thosesheets S to the print processing of image data of the sixth, eighth, andtenth pages.

As described above, the print sequence of image data of multiple pagesbecomes the sequence of 1-3-5-2-7-4-9-6-8-10. FIG. 18 schematicallyillustrates the sheet bundle S1 stacked in the stacking tray 42 in thiscase. The numerals in FIG. 18 schematically indicate page numbers, andactually, the images of the pages corresponding to the odd pages aresubjected to print processing at the lower sides of the sheets, and theimages of the pages corresponding to the even pages are subjected toprint processing at the upper sides of the sheets.

Next, description will be made regarding steps to be executed in thecase of the CPU 205 determining that the bookbinding mode is theright-opening bookbinding mode in step S1502.

In step S1516, the CPU 205 sets the page identification information N to“1”, which is an initial value.

In step S1517, the CPU 205 determines whether or not the pageidentification information N is not greater than M, and in the eventthat the N is not greater than M, the CPU 205 proceeds to step S1518,and otherwise returns to step S1519.

In step S1518, the CPU 205 feeds the sheet S from the selected cassettein response to the operator pressing the key 705 in FIG. 7B, andsubjects the sheet S thereof to the print processing of the (M−N+1)'thpage.

The CPU 205 determines in step S1519 whether or not N−3 is greater than0, and in the event of greater than 0, proceeds to step S1520, andotherwise proceeds to step S1521. In step S1520, the CPU 205 subjectsthe sheet S conveyed from the refeeding conveyance channel 332 to theprint processing of the (M−N+4)'th page. Subsequently, the printingdevice 105 alternately repeats the print processing as to the sheet Sconveyed from the refeeding conveyance channel 332, and the printprocessing as to the sheet S fed from the selected cassette. Theprinting device 105 prints both sides of the sheet S by this repeatprint processing.

In step S1521, the CPU 205 adds 2 to the N, and proceeds to step S1522.The CPU 205 determines in step S1522 whether or not the pageidentification information N reaches M+5, and in the event that the N isequal to M+5, the CPU 205 proceeds to step S1510, and otherwise returnsto step S1517.

Now, description will be made regarding the print sequence in the printprocessing that the CPU 205 controls the printer unit 203 to execute insteps S1516 through S1522, assuming that the print job is made up ofimage data of 10 pages. Note that description will be made assuming thatthe cassette 311 is selected in FIG. 7B.

First of all, the CPU 205 feeds three sheets S from the cassette 311,and subjects each of the sheets S to the print processing of image dataof the tenth, eighth, and sixth pages. Also, the CPU 205 conveys thesheets S on which the tenth, eighth, and sixth pages are subjected toprint processing to the refeeding conveyance channel 332.

Next, the CPU 205 conveys the sheet S on which the tenth page issubjected to print processing to the transfer unit 325, and executes theprint processing of image data of the ninth page. Subsequently, the CPU205 conveys the sheet S on which both of the image data of the tenthpage and the image data of the ninth page are subjected to printprocessing to the stacker device 104. Subsequently, the CPU 205 subjectsthe sheet S fed from the cassette 311 to the print processing of imagedata of the fourth page. The CPU 205 then conveys the sheet S on whichthe eighth page is subjected to print processing to the transfer unit325, and executes the print processing of image data of the seventhpage. Next, the CPU 205 subjects the sheet S fed from the cassette 311to the print processing of image data of the second page. Subsequently,the CPU 205 conveys the sheet S on which the sixth, fourth, and secondpages are subjected to print processing from the refeeding conveyancechannel 332 to the transfer unit 325. The CPU 205 then subjects thosesheets S to the print processing of image data of the fifth, third, andfirst pages.

As described above, the print sequence of image data of multiple pagesbecomes the sequence of 10-8-6-9-4-7-2-5-3-1. The print sequence in theright-opening bookbinding mode is the reverse print sequence inleft-opening bookbinding. Note that it is FIG. 19 that the sheet bundleS1 stacked in the stacking tray 42 in this case is schematicallyillustrated. The numerals in FIG. 19 schematically denote page numbers,and actually, the images of the pages corresponding to the even pagesare subjected to print processing at the lower sides of the sheets, andthe images of the pages corresponding to the odd pages are subjected toprint processing at the upper sides of the sheets.

As described with FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the CPU 205 controls the printerunit 203 such that the print sequence of image data of multiple pagesbecomes reverse sequence thereof depending a case wherein thebookbinding mode at the time of executing case binding processing is theright-opening bookbinding mode, and a case wherein the bookbinding modeat the time of executing case binding processing is the left-openingbookbinding mode. Now, description will be made regarding unique effectsaccording to the present embodiment with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG.21.

FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating the creation process ofa book in the right-opening bookbinding mode. In FIG. 20, referencenumeral 2001 denotes the sheet bundle S1 stacked in the stacking tray42, and 2002 denotes the cover sheet S2 loaded in the cover sheetloading tray 70. Also, reference numeral 2003 denotes the book S3created by gluing the cover sheet S2 to the sheet bundle S1.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating the creation process ofa book in the left-opening bookbinding mode. In FIG. 21, referencenumeral 2101 denotes the sheet bundle S1 stacked in the stacking tray42, and 2102 denotes the cover sheet S2 loaded in the cover sheetloading tray 70. Also, reference numeral 2103 denotes the book S3created by gluing the cover sheet S2 to the sheet bundle S1.

In both of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the loading direction of the cover sheetS2 loaded in the cover sheet loading tray 70 is the same. That is tosay, it is not necessary for the operator of the bookbinding system 2000to change over the loading direction of the cover sheet depending on thecase of the right-opening bookbinding mode and the case of theleft-opening bookbinding mode. On the other hand, at 2001 the sheet S onwhich the top page is subjected to print processing is loaded in theuppermost side, but at 2101 the sheet S on which the top page issubjected to print processing is loaded in the lowermost side. With thebook S3, the image data serving as the top page of the body is subjectedto print processing on the sheet serving as the top page of the body notonly in the case of the right-opening bookbinding mode but also in thecase of left-opening bookbinding mode.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a book can be createdappropriately in light of regarding whether to create a right-openingbook or a left-opening book without causing deterioration in operabilityby having the operator of the bookbinding system 2000 change over theloading direction of cover sheets.

Second Embodiment

Next, description will be made regarding a second embodiment of thepresent invention with the appended drawings.

With the first embodiment, the print sequence is controlled so as not tochange over the loading direction of a cover sheet depending on the caseof the right-opening bookbinding mode or the case of the left-openingbookbinding mode. The advantage of the first embodiment is an effect forpreventing deterioration in operability by changing the loadingdirection of a cover sheet. However, the first embodiment has such anadvantage, but also causes a problem to occur by inverting the printsequence depending on the case of the right-opening bookbinding mode orthe left-opening bookbinding mode. For example, in the event ofemploying the first input method for inputting image data from thescanner unit 201, print processing is started from the last page in theright-opening bookbinding mode, which causes a problem wherein printprocessing cannot be started until the original of the last page isscanned as image data. In other words, the right-opening bookbindingmode includes a problem wherein productivity deteriorates as comparedwith the left-opening bookbinding mode wherein print processing can bestarted immediately following scanning the top page. Therefore, thesecond embodiment prevents deterioration in productivity due to changingthe print sequence depending on the case of the right-openingbookbinding mode or the left-opening bookbinding mode.

Note that the second embodiment is the same as the first embodimentexcept in that the execution procedures of bookbinding processingdiffers. Hereinafter, description will be made regarding the executionprocedures of bookbinding processing, and other descriptions will beomitted.

<Bookbinding Processing Execution Procedures: Simplex Printing>

Next, the bookbinding processing flow according to the second embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 22. Description will be madehere regarding the case binding processing that is executed in the eventof the operator selecting the case binding key 603 on the screen in FIG.6C. Also, FIG. 15 illustrates the operations in the event of theoperator setting for single sides of the sheets S to be subjected toprint processing in FIG. 7D.

Note that steps S2201 through S2213 in FIG. 22 are the same as stepsS1401 through S1413 in FIG. 14, so description thereof will be omitted.Also, steps S2214 through S2219 are the same as steps S2203 throughS2207 except for step S2215.

In step S2215, the CPU 205 controls the rotating unit 231 to execute therotating processing of image data of the N'th page. Note that therotating unit 231 executes rotating processing such that thetop-and-bottom directions of image data following rotating processingbecome the directions opposite of the top-and-bottom directions of imagedata prior to rotating processing. Also, a diagram schematicallyillustrating the sheet bundle S1 stacked in the stacking tray 42 is thesame as FIG. 18. However, the top-and-bottom directions of image data onthe sheets S differ between in the case of the left-opening bookbindingmode and in the case of the right-opening bookbinding mode.Specifically, the near-side direction of the bookbinding device 2000 isthe bottom of image data in the left-opening bookbinding mode, and thenear-side direction of the bookbinding device 2000 is the top of imagedata in the right-opening bookbinding mode.

<Bookbinding Processing Execution Procedures: Duplex Printing>

Next, the bookbinding processing flow according to the second embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 23. Description will be madehere regarding the case binding processing that is executed in the eventof the operator selecting the case binding key 603 on the screen in FIG.6C. Also, FIG. 15 illustrates the operations in the event of theoperator setting for both sides of the sheets S to be subjected to printprocessing in FIG. 7D.

Note that steps S2310 through S2315 in FIG. 23 are the same as stepsS1510 through S1515 in FIG. 15, so description thereof will be omitted.Also, steps S2316 through S2324 are the same as steps S2303 throughS2309 except for steps S2318 and S2321.

In step S2318, the CPU 205 controls the rotating unit 231 to execute therotating processing of image data of the N'th page. In step S2321, theCPU 205 also controls the rotating unit 231 to execute the rotatingprocessing of image data of the N'th page. Note that the rotating unit231 executes rotating processing such that the top-and-bottom directionsof image data following rotating processing become the directionsopposite of the top-and-bottom directions of image data prior torotating processing. Also, a diagram schematically illustrating thesheet bundle S1 stacked in the stacking tray 42 is the same as FIG. 18.However, the top-and-bottom directions of image data on the sheets Sdiffer between in the case of the left-opening bookbinding mode and inthe case of the right-opening bookbinding mode. Specifically, thenear-side direction of the bookbinding device 2000 is the bottom ofimage data in the left-opening bookbinding mode, and the near-sidedirection of the bookbinding device 2000 is the top of image data in theright-opening bookbinding mode.

As described with FIGS. 22 and 23, the CPU 205 controls the printer unit203 such that the top-and-bottom directions of image data differ betweenin the case of the right-opening bookbinding mode and in the case of theleft-opening bookbinding mode at the time of executing case bindingprocessing. Now, description will be made regarding effects unique tothe present embodiment, with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating the creation process ofa book in the left-opening bookbinding mode. In FIG. 24, referencenumeral 2401 denotes the sheet bundle S1 stacked in the stacking tray42, and 2402 denotes the cover sheet S2 loaded in the cover sheetloading tray 70. Also, reference numeral 2403 denotes the book S3created by gluing the cover sheet S2 to the sheet bundle S1.

Note that the creation process of a book in the right-openingbookbinding mode is the same as illustrated in FIG. 20.

With the loading direction of the cover sheet S2 loaded in the coversheet loading tray 70, the top-and-bottom directions of the cover sheetS2 are inverted. On the other hand, the sheet S on which the top page issubjected to print processing is loaded in the lowermost side in bothcases of 2401 and 2001. That is to say, it is not necessary for the CPU205 of the bookbinding system 2000 to change over the print sequencedepending on the case of the right-opening bookbinding mode and the caseof the left-opening bookbinding mode.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, a book can be createdappropriately in light of regarding whether to create a right-openingbook or a left-opening book without causing deterioration inproductivity due to changing the print sequence of image data ofmultiple pages.

Note that with the second embodiment, it is necessary for the operatorof the bookbinding system 2000 to change over the loading direction ofthe cover sheet depending on the case of the right-opening bookbindingmode or the case of the left-opening bookbinding mode. Accordingly, itis effective to notify the operator of the loading direction of a coversheet depending on the case of the right-opening bookbinding mode or thecase of the left-opening bookbinding mode. Specifically, when settingthe left-opening bookbinding mode, it can be realized to notify theoperator by outputting display so as to load the cover sheet S2 such asshown in 2401 in FIG. 24. It is desirable to perform this notificationfollowing the operator pressing the left-opening key 701 in FIG. 7Aprior to displaying FIG. 7B. Also, when setting the right-openingbookbinding mode, it can be realized to notify the operator byoutputting display so as to load the cover sheet S2 such as shown in2001 in FIG. 20. It is desirable to perform this notification followingthe operator pressing the right-opening key 702 in FIG. 7A prior todisplaying FIG. 7B.

Third Embodiment

Next, description will be made regarding a third embodiment of thepresent invention with the appended drawings.

With the first embodiment, the print sequence has been controlled so asto invert the print sequence without changing over the loading directionof a cover sheet depending on the case of the right-opening bookbindingmode or the case of the left-opening bookbinding mode. Also, the secondembodiment is an embodiment for changing over the loading direction of acover sheet depending on the case of the right-opening bookbinding modeor the case of the left-opening bookbinding mode, assuming that theprint sequence is the same.

On the other hand, the third embodiment is an embodiment for changingover the operations according to the first embodiment and the operationsaccording to the second embodiment depending on the settings by theoperator of the bookbinding system 2000.

The first and second embodiments have had the operator select one of theleft-opening key 701 and the right-opening key 702 in FIG. 7C. On theother hand, with the third embodiment, the CPU 205 controls the liquidcrystal display portion 4-253 to display the screen illustrated in FIG.25 instead of FIG. 7C. In FIG. 25, in addition to the left-opening key701 and the right-opening key 702 in FIG. 7C, a productivity preferencekey 2501 is added. The operator of the bookbinding system 2000 selects aproductivity preference mode by pressing the productivity preference key2501, and selects an operability preference mode by not pressing theproductivity preference key 2501.

<Bookbinding Processing Execution Procedures: Simplex Printing>

In the event that the operator has set for only the single sides of thesheets S to be subjected to print processing in FIG. 7D, and also hasselected the productivity preference mode, the CPU 205 performs thefollowing operation. That is the operation for executing the flowillustrated in FIG. 22. The flow illustrated in FIG. 22 does not changethe print sequence of image data of multiple pages, which provides anadvantage wherein productivity is not changed both in the case of theright-opening bookbinding mode and in the case of the left-openingbookbinding mode.

On the other hand, in the event that the operator has set theoperability preference mode, the CPU 205 performs the followingoperation. That is the operation for executing the flow illustrated inFIG. 14. With the flow illustrated in FIG. 14, there is no need tochange over the loading direction (top-and-bottom directions) of thecover sheet S2 both in the case of the right-opening bookbinding modeand in the case of the left-opening bookbinding mode, which provides anadvantage in that operability is excellent.

<Bookbinding Processing Execution Procedures: Duplex Printing>

In the event that the operator has set for both sides of the sheets S tobe subjected to print processing in FIG. 7D, and also has selected theproductivity preference mode, the CPU 205 performs the followingoperation. That is the operation for executing the flow illustrated inFIG. 23. The flow illustrated in FIG. 23 does not change the printsequence of image data of multiple pages, which provides an advantagewherein productivity is not changed both in the case of theright-opening bookbinding mode and in the case of the left-openingbookbinding mode.

On the other hand, in the event that the operator has set theoperability preference mode, the CPU 205 performs the followingoperation. That is the operation for executing the flow illustrated inFIG. 15. With the flow illustrated in FIG. 15, there is no need tochange over the loading direction (top-and-bottom directions) of thecover sheet S2 both in the case of the right-opening bookbinding modeand in the case of the left-opening bookbinding mode, which provides anadvantage wherein operability is excellent.

As described above, the third embodiment is an embodiment for changingover the operations according to the first embodiment and the operationsaccording to the second embodiment depending on the settings by theoperator of the bookbinding system 2000. Accordingly, a book can beappropriately created in light of regarding whether the operator desiresbookbinding processing that puts emphasis on productivity, orbookbinding processing that puts emphasis on operability.

Other Embodiments

With the above first through third embodiments, the bookbinding system2000 has been a system for automatically conveying the sheets S conveyedfrom the printing device 105 to the case binding device 103 withoutrequesting the operator's works. However, an arrangement may be madewherein the sheets S are temporarily discharged in a discharge tray (notshown) included in the printing device 105 to form the sheet bundle S1,and the operator conveys the formed sheet bundle S1, thereby stackingthis in the stacking tray 42. In this case, the case binding device 103performs case binding processing using the cover sheet S loaded in thecover sheet loading tray 70 following the operator stacking the sheetbundle S1 in the stacking tray 42.

In the event of applying the above arrangement to the first embodiment,the operator should load the sheet bundle S stacked in the dischargetray in the stacking tray 42 without changing the loading direction ofthe sheet bundle S without particularly considering whether or not thesheet bundle S is created as a right-opening book. That is to say, theoperator can create a book appropriately in light of regarding whetherto create a right-opening book or a left-opening book withoutdeteriorating the operability of the operator.

Also, in the event of applying the above arrangement to the secondembodiment, the operator needs to load the sheet bundle S1 in thestacking tray 42 in light of regarding whether or not the sheet bundleS1 is created as a right-opening book. However, there is no need tochange the print sequence both in the case of creating a right-openingbook and in the case of creating a left-opening book, and accordingly,productivity is not deteriorated depending on whether to create aright-opening book or a left-opening book.

Also, with the first through third embodiments, the bookbinding system2000 has included the case binding device 103 for executing case bindingprocessing, but may include a device for executing other bookbindingprocessing. For example, a device for executing staple processingfollowing wrapping the sheet bundle S1 in the cover sheet S2 withoutgluing may be employed instead of gluing the spine cover portion 1002 ofthe cover sheet S2 on which a front cover and a back cover are laid out.In this case, the sheet bundle S1 and the cover sheet S2 are subjectedto matching by staple needles. Also, a device may be employed whereinthe cover sheet S2 on which a cover is laid out is fed from the coversheet loading tray 70, and the sheet bundle S1 and the cover sheet S2are subjected to binding processing using a binder tape or the like. Inthis case, the sheet bundle S1 and the cover sheet S2 are subjected tomatching by a binder tape.

Also, with the first through third embodiments, the bookbinding system2000 is a system for determining whether to set the right-openingbookbinding mode or the left-opening bookbinding mode based on thesetting by the operator, but other arrangements may be employed. Forexample, the right-opening bookbinding mode is frequently employed atthe time of subjecting portrait originals to bookbinding processing, andthe left-opening bookbinding mode is frequently employed at the time ofsubjecting landscape originals to bookbinding processing. Accordingly,the CPU 205 may determine from the image on the original scanned by thescanner unit 201 whether the scanned original is a portrait original ora landscape original. In this case, the CPU 205 automatically sets theright-opening bookbinding mode in the event of determining that thescanned original is a portrait original, and automatically sets theleft-opening bookbinding mode in the event of determining that thescanned original is a landscape original. Employing such an arrangementenables the right-opening bookbinding mode or the left-openingbookbinding mode to be set automatically appropriately without theoperator explicitly setting the right-opening bookbinding mode or theleft-opening bookbinding mode.

Also, the present invention provides a recording medium in whichsoftware program code for realizing the above embodiment functions isrecorded, which can be supplied to a system or device. In this case, thecomputer of the system or device thereof reads out and executes theprogram code stored in the recording medium, thereby realizing the aboveembodiment functions. In this case, the program code itself read outfrom the recording medium realizes the above embodiment functions, andthe recording medium storing the program code thereof makes up thepresent invention.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.2006-020972 filed Jan. 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A bookbinding apparatus comprising: an input unit adapted to inputimage data of multiple pages; a printing unit adapted to subjectmultiple sheets to print processing based on said image data of multiplepages input by said input unit; a stacking unit adapted to stack saidmultiple sheets subjected to print processing by said printing unit as asheet bundle; a paper-feed unit adapted to feed a cover sheet; abookbinding unit adapted to create a book by binding said cover sheet tosaid sheet bundle; a mode setting unit adapted to set one of aright-opening bookbinding mode for creating a right-opening book and aleft-opening bookbinding mode for creating a left-opening book; and acontrol unit adapted to control said printing unit so as to produce afirst sequence of multiple printed sheets having multiple pages of saidimage data, or to produce a second sequence of the multiple printedsheets having the multiple pages of said image data, the second sequencebeing an inverted sequence of the first sequence, depending on whethersaid mode setting unit is set in the right-opening bookbinding mode orthe mode setting unit is set in the left-opening bookbinding mode.
 2. Abookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a duplexconveyance unit adapted to invert a sheet with a first side subjected toprint processing by said printing unit and to convey this to saidprinting unit again, wherein said printing unit subjects both of thefirst and second sides of a sheet to print processing using said duplexconveyance unit.
 3. A bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said input unit inputs said image data of multiple pages byscanning images on a set of multiple manuscripts.
 4. A bookbindingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input unit inputs saidimage data of multiple pages by receiving a print job including saidimage data of multiple pages from an external device.
 5. A bookbindingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cover sheet is laid outwith a cover and a back cover; and wherein said bookbinding unit createssaid book by gluing between one end of said sheet bundle and a portionof said cover sheet serving as the spine of said book.
 6. A bookbindingmethod for creating a book using a sheet bundle made up of multiplesheets serving as body, and a cover sheet, said method comprising: aninput process for inputting image data of multiple pages; a mode settingprocess for setting one of a right-opening bookbinding mode for creatinga right-opening book and a left-opening bookbinding mode for creating aleft-opening book; a printing process for subjecting multiple sheets toprint processing based on said image data of multiple pages input insaid input process; and a bookbinding process for creating said book bybinding said cover sheet to a sheet bundle made up of multiple sheetssubjected to print processing in said printing process, wherein saidprinting process includes print processing so as to produce a firstsequence of multiple printed sheets having multiple pages of said imagedata, or to produce a second sequence of the multiple printed sheetshaving the multiple pages of said image data, the second sequence beingan inverted sequence of the first sequence, depending whether the modewas set in said right-opening bookbinding mode in said mode settingprocess or the mode was set in said left-opening bookbinding mode insaid mode setting process.
 7. A printing apparatus capable of connectingto a bookbinding apparatus including: a stacking unit adapted to stack asheet bundle, a paper-feed unit adapted to feed a cover sheet, and abookbinding unit adapted to create a book by binding said cover sheet tosaid sheet bundle, said printing apparatus comprising: an input unitadapted to input image data of multiple pages; a printing unit adaptedto subject multiple sheets to print processing based on said image dataof multiple pages input by said input unit for stacking in the stackingunit of said bookbinding apparatus; a mode setting unit adapted to setone of a right-opening bookbinding mode for creating a right-openingbook and a left-opening bookbinding mode for creating a left-openingbook; and a control unit adapted to control said printing unit so as toproduce a first sequence of multiple printed sheets having multiplepages of said image data, or to produce a second sequence of themultiple printed sheets having the multiple pages of said image data,the second sequence being an inverted sequence of the first sequence,depending on whether said mode setting unit is set in said right-openingbookbinding mode or said mode setting unit is set in said left-openingbookbinding mode.